Thank you Matt... For protecting our Country..See you when you get back!

My son has had the same group of friends, all through High School...They are all very close. As the years have passed, most are in school, others working..and figuring out "what next" Matt comes from a family of Marines. He knew he wanted to serve when he got the chance. A few months back he started his residency at Los Alamitos base, preparing for his departure. As much as I have my views of the War, and it's contents, I support him. I was sad when I heard he was leaving. I guess I'm just worried about him. I have some cute pictures of them riding...their group of riding friends, and the chicks that stick by them...haha. Thank you Matt. May you have a safe journey, and know your friends and friends mama's are waiting for your return. Good Luck Matt! See you when you get back......

The 2nd BEST Title to 1st! We are SILVER!

The girls gave it all they could...the families did too. Talk about the jitters. All we've been through, all the girls have walked across...came down to a fight for first. El Segundo took 2-1 over us. Parents had celebration goods, champagne for parents, and sparkling cider for the girls, but our celebration meant our transition from Bronze to Silver. Lots of tears, a moment of sadness..and months and months of training to get us here. Here is Coach Dax giving his "Thanks" or "Suggestions" to the Refs of this game. The one on the left was terrible. But we'll leave it at that. Hint: Handballs are really considered fouls in the game of Soccer. Good Job United! Tears, friendships..and love...TEAM UNITED! That was it....

McKenna, Hailey, Hannah, Jasmine, Kali #13 and Miss. Alexa...Don't be sad!

As the polite girls do in our town...Cheers and raise a glass to hardwork!

Look at Kali in the backround. ugh. Tough ride home.

This is it! 11/15/09 Come on girls! YOU CAN DO IT!

We are in first place, we've come a loooooonnnng way. The girls have worked incredibly hard, dedicated many hours, suffered minor aches and injuries....coaching "lesson talks"- bench sitting, traveling around to various places...in the heat...in the cold. This is it. Today we have to win. In order to sit on the top and roll into Silver. You can do it girls. You are amazing. So proud of you Kali. You have given everything, worked hard, and played harder. Happy Birthday Miss. Savannah! What a party! Soccer girls cleaned up.....

Fundraisers, Parties...and Friends...

Soccer teams come and go...friends come and go. But this team is unique. This recipe blends so well. The families, the girls, the siblings...all have a bond that is amazing. We are the only team in our bracket without any "cards"- Which ultimately reveal, respect, honor and.... more respect. Here is a fundraiser breakfast that was put together by Maria. Alex, Van, Dax, Tim, Tony and Mary...to name a few....

My friend Mary. Super fun party for Savannah....

My friend Kyoko. A blast blast blast.....party! Good job Kyoko and Mark. Super cute parents, and hosts'-

Thanksgiving and the London Bridge Swim!

The day after Thanksgiving..Lake Havasu hosts' a swim across the channel. Brave swimmers, young and old partake. The swim starts on this side, with a race to the other. The first person gets $100.00; a picture on the front page of the Havasu Newspaper, and the honor of lighting the bridge and surrounding Christmas lights for the holiday season. The water is freezing, the crowds are huge, and the adrenaline is powerful. Last year Derek competed with over 100 people, the bridge is lined with folks, music and crowds cheering. He took 5th. But this year, he's on a mission. He has a plan, and we are so excited for him. The cute part, is you can park your boat, in the channel, and have a little fire in the sand...I make leftover turkey sandwiches, we have wine, and the kids have hot chocolate. Super cute, super fun, and it's cold. Such a change from the 110'- Good luck Derek! The sunsets from our home are fabulous. One of my favorite things....Sunsets in the winter. Our entire family will gather nightly to toast goodnight to Mr. Sun.

Mr. Jacuzzi gets used more than ever during this time of year.

The firepit becomes our closest friend too.

And another year is coming to a close. How lucky we are to be alive, healthy and together with friends and family.

Happy Birthday Tori "14"

Every year my sister generates a pretty big party. Tori almost came to this world on Halloween, but managed to arrive on November 1st 1995. Her parties usually consist of costumes, super fun games, good food and lots of kids and people. This year, my sister simplified things, and I can't express in words how intimate, cozy and sweet the night was. She made an awesome dinner...homemade cake...and we sat outside and ate by candlelight. Isn't that what life was about when we were kids. Simple and homemade. Good job Tina- Here is Tori with her cousins Ivie and Kali... Lovin the love. Here is the Birthday Girl. Finally 14.....

Candlelit dinner. Enchiladas..a super yummy salad and really good rice made by her Aunt Tonya.

Her cake. Made by Mom. Her cousins Ivie and Levi.

Fall Sunsets on PCH...

It's this time of year...the water is great...the sunsets are amazing...and you can see the island like it's a skip away. Bill and I just dropped Kali off with the girls and as we're heading over the bridges...this is what we see. It's 5 o'clock somewhere....Margarita time.

Friends and Halloween Fun....2009

The Friday before Halloween Kali had some fun with her buddies...McKenzie and Madison. This day at school was dress up, so the girls did Tie-dye. Practice night and Gregg showed up with Dairy Queen for the girls, and walked across the field with this super funny outfit on. Now that's TEAM SPIRIT! GO UNITED!

Kali and her favorite manager Greggo!

While getting her hair done in between games. Miss. Sweet Kali #13 Greggo brings much fun, entertainment and laughter to our team. He is our manager and loves the girls so much. Here he is....Full Greggo Mode! Thanks Greggo!

Go! Fight! Win! Good Job United!

The start of a very long hot day...Our girls have been climbing the success hill. Here we went from bottom of the hill, to almost the top. We continue to keep our team strong, parents committed..and girls very happy! Way to go girls! Here is Bob and Tony.... Tony explaining something in detail....What's in that red cup Bob?

More of our beautiful girls.....There is Alexa, Sara, Hailey, Dominique, Jazzy..and our goalie Savannah!

And this is how our Coaching Assistant helps us adjust to a 3 hour in between game time.

That is Hannah and Miss. Karrisa and Megan standing by. That it is a water bottle on top of her head! haha

Good friends, HOT WEATHER..and Sleeping Daddies...And SOCCER!

We travel around Southern California...and venture into the San Bernadino area at times. And this was one of those games. The girls had 3 hours in between. We coordinated a nice little pot-luck for the girls and us parents braved the HEAT right with them. It's times like these that create memories. Places you go, teams we meet, and fields we endure. Here is Kaitlyn, Kali, Vannie (Savannah), and Miss 38.. Haley

This is Mark. Mark is our goalies Daddy and stands down by his baby during the game offering words of encouragement and praise. Good guy and can sleep anywhere. Love it!

Under Marks head is a water bottle as a pillow. FUNNY

And that's how a good team..with great families..hang between games!

Happy 60 Years to my Beautiful Mama!

We planned this trip a couple months ago, just time alone with my parents. For some, it might sound selfish...for others it might sound normal. Well for us, it was simply amazing. To sit and talk and laugh with our mom, to shop with her...to ask questions and observe who she is at 60, was very well worth every second, every dollar, every tear as we boarded the plane for home. I know it sounds silly to some that we don't visit as much. That time and miles separate the 4 of us. But it's just that. It's raising my children, working, and traveling around with Kali and soccer. I made a promise to myself that I will take the time for them more, that I will keep these miles short and closer together. Mom I thank you for all the sacrifices you've done for Tina and I. And believe me, you only understand more as the years pass and your children grow. Dad and you have a great source in eachother. And I thank you for keeping the strength together so we both have a place to call home. I felt right at home. I love you and Happy Happy Birthday Mom. You look amazing.

I took this shot as my sister calls me the "Paparazzi"...but it was funny to me. It reminded me of being a child, in the back seat, Dad driving, Tina and I giving eachother funny looks...( I was carsick on this ride...but wouldn't say anything..) and just the feeling of being a kid again. Almost 40 and loving it.

Deer...Frogs...and a place my parents call home...

Anyone that knows my parents, know they believe in the amazing respect for animals. Any animal big or small. They will nurture, feed and show such love. My mom feeds all the creatures morning and night. They see my parents, and they are ready...They are ready for veggies, fruit, bread....whatever she chooses, they accept. And LOVE! This view is standing in her kitchen at her sink...in the morning...waiting for her. Notice "Peek-Peek" in the left bottom corner. This peacock found my parents home. He roosts' every single night...up in the highest tree out front, and comes down every morning. My dad pointed out how he sits behind his truck, by the bumper, admiring..what he thinks..is another friend.. It's himself. Super cute.

Dad....pointing out at Peek-Peek... Cute bird that loves my parents. The simple things in life.

This is the safe haven for frogs. Outside their front door, they have this waterfall. My mom tends to the cutest flowers, frogs, and anything else that wants the love. At dusk, these little frogs come out...all over...

I've always loved frogs, think they are adorable, but can't hold or pick them up. Creepy. So one evening as we sat out on the swing with our mom, my sister decided to throw one on me. Nice.

Well it peed all over her, and we all laughed. My sister is very afraid of spiders. Hmmmmm. Payback..?

Flower Farm and Mummies...

I just love this shot. It's a flower farm.....it's a great big tree. It's a couple of things that I adore.
And I walked around this place with my MOM! Here I am feeling rather brave.

In Cave Winery, they added this dude for festive feel.

Pumpkin Patches...and Wineries..October 2009

After visiting an amazing Lily Farm in a small town called Amador, we strolled through this pumpkin patch. It's funny to look back 30 years ago, and remember how excited we were to get our pumpkin to carve. My Mom and Sister were looking into Gourds, while my dad and I were on the hunt for the perfect pumpkin. Well, we wanted a green one..(which is the one he's holding...) We wanted something different. And boy it is a cutie. Here's my sister and I at the oldest Winery in California. The hospitality wasn't the best. We felt incredibly rushed, but the atmosphere was interesting. This place hosted the guys from the "Gold Rush" days. Man, I'm happy to know they had some "Vino" for some relaxation back then.

Here's good' ol me at the "Prettiest" Winery we visited. Great hospitality, Fabulous Wine, and a view to melt your heart. I missed Bill at this one. Couples everywhere...but time with my sister, and laughter to hold your stomach. We laughed so so hard here. We also took some pictures that really shouldn't be posted. Cheers Tee!